Photojournalist Eric Bowen returned to Minnesota at the end of February after embedding with the Minnesota National Guard's Company B, 2nd Battalion, 136th Infantry in Camp Fallujah, Iraq

Mr Bowen worked with the Minnesota National Guard, as well as several other organizations to coordinate the embed Pulling what funding he could from outside contributors, and pooling his own money, Mr Bowen successfully captured gritty, day-to-day, combat operations of the Soldiers of Company B, who are attached to a US Marine unit

The trip took him through Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Kuwait and finally into Iraq All along the way, Mr Bowen faithfully updated his web-log (blog), http://ericiniraq.blogspot.com, with up-to-date status reports of his operations, as well as some of the best photos that have been captured of Minnesota National Guard Soldiers in action in Iraq

The focuses of the embed photo essays were on operations in the field, but also captured the true lifestyle of Soldiers and Marines in combat As a Minnesota native, Mr Bowen's special interest was on his fellow Minnesotans However, often his photos captured Marines as well, since Company B, is working so closely with the Marine Corps in Fallujah

Mr Bowen markets his products to news organizations, but he reiterated that the importance of his mission was much greater than just a profit

"I've been getting some nice emails from the family members of Minnesota National Guard Soldiers in Iraq, who are becoming aware of what I'm doing," wrote Mr Bowen in one of his blogs "This is the sort of thing that really reinforces my resolve that this is a worthwhile project!"

Photojournalist Eric Bowen Photojournalist Eric Bowen discusses his operations in Iraq while he is embedding with the Minnesota National GuardA,"s Company B, 2nd Battalion, 136th Infantry.
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Posted: 2017-09-26 12:02 PM CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - One of the most difficult, most sacred, honorable duties in the military is one that people don't often think about. It takes compassion, empathy, care, and requires great resilience. It is one that when called upon to train for, they hope to rarely perform because it means another Soldier has been lost. It is the duty of casualty notification officer and casualty assistance officer.

About 45 Minnesota Army National Guard Soldiers came to Camp Ripley, Minnesota, on September 21-22, 2017, for a Reset Seminar to find fellowship in one specific thing they have in common: delivering the worst news in the Army.

When a Soldier dies at home or overseas, CNOs and CAOs must notify and help families through the process, including paperwork, benefits, and funeral arrangements.

"The education and experience these Soldiers will receive is invaluable," said Command Sgt. Maj. Shane Hybben, 1-194th command sergeant major. "Our Soldiers will have operated in joint forces operations with fire and maneuver, which will allow for best practices to be shared and used in the future. They will have a better understanding of other military forces and how they operate not only strengthening our force but everyone involved."

The Brainerd-based battalion spearheaded the mission to Sweden as the most recent element of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division to have taken part in joint international training missions throughout Europe since early 2017.

Posted: 2017-09-20 08:33 AM WINTHROP, Mass. - Settled in 1630, Winthrop is one of the oldest communities in the United States. Service members of all branches of the military from this seaside town just north of Boston have fought on behalf of their state and nation since the Revolutionary War. On Saturday, Sept. 16th, Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen, the commanding general of the Minnesota-based 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, participated in a ceremony that honored one of Winthrop's own: Pvt. 1st Class Andrew Biggio.

Like so many young men of his era, 19-year old Winthrop native Andrew Giovanni Biggio raised his hand to volunteer for service in 1944. He was assigned to B Company, 135th Infantry Regiment of the 34th Infantry Division. An infantryman, Biggio fought valiantly with the Red Bulls, liberating the Italian towns of Viterbo, Cecina and Liverno. His heroic actions in combat earned Pvt. 1st Class Biggio a Bronze Star Medal.

"The Minnesota National Guard continues to diversify our force and grow strong leaders," said Brig. Gen. Sandy Best, chief of staff of the Minnesota Air National Guard. "Strong leaders are able to self-manage and channel emotions to produce desired behaviors and results."

The forum is part of an overall effort to promote an inclusive culture, diversify the organization, grow strong leaders and provide professional leadership development for both women and men. The topics will focus on emotional intelligence, leadership, high performing teams and creating a championship culture.